FC United of Manchester
FC United of Manchester
FC United of Manchester

Reserves need one win for title

With the first-team having already won promotion, FC United’s Reserves have the chance to go one better and clinch the title this weekend.

A victory at home over second-placed Padiham will see the young Reds crowned as champions and cap a hugely impressive inaugural campaign.

The second-string have lost just two games so far, scoring the most goals and keeping the tightest defence in the league.

Team Manager Tony Cullen is full of praise for the efforts of his young protegees: "We fully deserve to be where we are in the league and that’s all down to the lads," he said. "They’ve given me 100% week-in week-out and I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of youngsters."

And youth has definitely been the Reserves watchword. With a squad largely made-up of under 21’s it seems the future of FC United is in safe hands.

Cullen is keen to pick-out three players worthy of some extra attention: "Adam Turner has stood-up and been counted as captain since Ben Mortimer’s long-term injury. Warren Collier is an ever-present and alongside Fernando Vaz Te the pair have pushed forward from midfield and got a lot of goals."

Having found the opponents net over ninety times and shipped a meagre nineteen goals, the team’s fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed by the man at the top.

"Margy’s been really impressed by them," Tony added. "He had no hesitation in promoting Danny Allen and Liam Foster and they took it in their stride. The boss knows none of the squad will let him down when called for first-team duty."

Looking ahead to Saturday’s encounter the Reds will be almost at full strength, with just Danny Allen missing with a thigh strain. The Reds romped to a 7-1 victory in the corresponding away fixture but Cullen expects it to be much tighter this time out.

"We blew Padiham away that day but they’ll know what to expect from us this time out. After that defeat they went on a great run and showed what a good side they really are."

Whatever happens on Saturday, FC United are already looking for the Reserves to step-up a level next season. With the first-team safely promoted to the Unibond, and no reserve division in operation there, the club are making enquiries to find a suitable league for the youngsters to test themselves further.

FC United Reserves take on Padiham Reserves at Abbey Hey on Saturday, kick-off 3pm. Admission is free to all supporters.